Analysis of "贼平后送人北归" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "贼平后送人北归" (Zéi Píng Hòu Sòng Rén Běi Guī, "Seeing a Friend Off to the North After the Suppression of the Rebellion") was written by Sikong Shu (司空曙), a poet of the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). This period is often regarded as the golden age of Chinese poetry, marked by artistic flourishing and cultural refinement.

Sikong Shu was part of the Dali Shiren (大历十才子), a group of ten prominent poets during the Dali era (766–779 AD). His works often reflect themes of separation, war, and the melancholy of parting. This particular poem was composed after the An Lushan Rebellion (755–763 AD), a devastating conflict that shook the Tang Empire. The poem captures the sorrow of bidding farewell to a friend returning north, now that peace has been restored.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

世乱同南去
Shì luàn tóng nán qù
In chaotic times, we fled south together,

时清独北还
Shí qīng dú běi huán
Now in peace, you return north alone.

他乡生白发
Tā xiāng shēng bái fà
In a foreign land, our hair turned white,

旧国见青山
Jiù guó jiàn qīng shān
Back home, you’ll see the green mountains again.

晓月过残垒
Xiǎo yuè guò cán lěi
At dawn, the moon passes ruined fortresses,

繁星宿故关
Fán xīng sù gù guān
Under stars, you’ll lodge by an old frontier gate.

寒禽与衰草
Hán qín yǔ shuāi cǎo
Cold birds and withered grass—

处处伴愁颜
Chù chù bàn chóu yán
Everywhere accompany your sorrowful face.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "In chaotic times, we fled south together"
   The opening line sets the historical context—the An Lushan Rebellion forced many to flee south for safety. The poet and his friend shared this hardship.

2. "Now in peace, you return north alone"
   The contrast between "together" and "alone" emphasizes the loneliness of separation. The poet remains behind while his friend journeys home.

3. "In a foreign land, our hair turned white"
   The hardships of exile and war have aged them prematurely. White hair symbolizes suffering and the passage of time.

4. "Back home, you’ll see the green mountains again"
   The "green mountains" symbolize home and stability, contrasting with the desolation of war.

5. "At dawn, the moon passes ruined fortresses"
   The "ruined fortresses" are remnants of war, a silent witness to past battles. The moon adds a melancholic beauty.

6. "Under stars, you’ll lodge by an old frontier gate"
   The journey north is long and arduous, with the "old frontier gate" marking a transition between past and present.

7. "Cold birds and withered grass"
   Nature mirrors the traveler’s sorrow—birds are "cold," grass is "withered," reinforcing desolation.

8. "Everywhere accompany your sorrowful face"
   The final line underscores the pervasive sadness of the journey, where even nature shares in the grief.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Separation and Loneliness
   The poem dwells on the pain of parting, heightened by the contrast between shared suffering and solitary return.

2. War and Its Aftermath
   The "ruined fortresses" and "old frontier gate" symbolize the scars of conflict, while "green mountains" represent hope for renewal.

3. Nature as a Mirror of Emotion
   The "cold birds," "withered grass," and "dawn moon" reflect the traveler’s melancholy, a common technique in Tang poetry.

Cultural Context

The An Lushan Rebellion (755–763 AD) was one of the most destructive conflicts in Chinese history, leading to massive displacement and suffering. Many poets, including Sikong Shu, wrote about the trauma of war and the fragility of peace.

This poem also reflects Confucian values of loyalty and friendship, as well as the Daoist appreciation of nature’s role in human emotion. The Tang Dynasty’s literary tradition often blended personal sentiment with historical events, creating deeply moving works.

Conclusion

"贼平后送人北归" is a poignant meditation on war, exile, and the bittersweet nature of homecoming. Sikong Shu masterfully weaves personal emotion with vivid natural imagery, creating a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced loss and longing.

Today, the poem remains relevant as a reminder of war’s enduring scars and the universal human desire for peace and reunion. Its quiet beauty continues to captivate readers, bridging centuries and cultures through the power of poetry.